"Today" dropped Matt Lauer almost instantly after allegations of sexual abuse went public. According to The New York Times, Lauer was fired some 34 hours after an accuser and her lawyer showed up to NBC headquarters. As it turns out, the network probably wasn't shocked.
Sources say NBC knew both "Variety" and "The New York Times" were researching multiple claims against Lauer. "There are multiple women we've spoken to with far-ranging accusations against Lauer," "Variety's," Elizabeth Wagmeister says. "The power of journalism has never been more evident with this cultural change."
NBC hasn't confirmed their knowledge of these potential bombshell stories, but Variety isn't holding back. Here are some of the allegations the magazine has corroborated by friends or colleagues of the alleged victims:
- Lauer once reportedly gave a colleague a sex toy as a present with an explicit note about how he wanted them to use it.
- While in his office, he dropped his pants and showed off his member to a different female coworker. When she declined to do anything, he allegedly yelled at her.
- He would quiz female colleagues about who they've slept with, offering to trade names.
- Lauer would play "f**k, marry, or kill,” in which he would identify the female co-hosts that he’d most like to sleep with.
These women have asked to remain anonymous, fearing professional repercussions.